Is losartan classified as a beta blocker medication?

Answer from top 2 papers

Losartan is not a beta-blocker, but rather an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that impedes transforming growth factor (TGF) beta signaling (). It is often compared to beta-blockers like atenolol in clinical studies for various conditions, including hypertension and Marfan syndrome.
Several studies have highlighted the differences between losartan and beta-blockers. For instance, in hypertensive patients, losartan was found to improve cognitive function, particularly immediate and delayed memory, while atenolol did not induce significant changes in cognitive test scores ((Fogari et al., 2003)). Additionally, losartan reduced structural alterations and stiffness of subcutaneous resistance arteries in hypertensive patients, whereas atenolol failed to do so ( and ).
In conclusion, while both losartan and beta-blockers like atenolol are used to treat hypertension and related conditions, they belong to different drug classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Losartan, as an ARB, offers potential benefits beyond blood pressure control, such as improved cognitive function and vascular health, which are not typically associated with beta-blockers ((Fogari et al., 2003) and ).

Source Papers

140
10.1038/sj.jhh.1001613

Influence of losartan and atenolol on memory function in very elderly hypertensive patients.

Oct 27, 2003
Journal of Human Hypertension
R Fogari + 6 more +6

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the beta-adrenergic blocker atenolol and the Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan on cognitive function in very elderly hypertensive patients. A total of 120 mild to moderate essential hypertensive (DBP >90 and <105 mmHg) patients, aged 75-89 years, were studied. After a 4-week wash-out period on placebo, they were randomized to receive atenolol 50 mg or losartan 50 mg for 24 weeks according to a parallel arm design. At the end of the placebo period and of each active treatment period, BP was measured (by mercury sphygmomanometer, Korotkoff I and V) and cognitive function was evaluated through three different tests (word list memory, word list recall and word list fluency). Both atenolol and losartan were equally effective in reducing SBP (-22.1 and -23.1 mmHg, respectively, P< 0.01 vs baseline) and DBP (-10.3 and -11.2 mmHg, respectively, P< 0.01 vs baseline). Atenolol treatment did not induce significant changes in any test score, whereas losartan significantly increased the score of both the word list memory (+2.2, P<0.05 vs baseline) and the word list recall test (+2.1, P<0.05 vs baseline). The comparison between losartan and atenolol was significant (P<0.05) for both memory tests. These data suggest that in very elderly hypertensive patients, chronic AT1 receptor blockade by losartan could improve cognitive function, in particular immediate and delayed memory.

76
10.2459/jcm.0b013e3283232a45

Rationale and design of a trial evaluating the effects of losartan vs. nebivolol vs. the association of both on the progression of aortic root dilation in Marfan syndrome with FBN1 gene mutations.

Apr 01, 2009
Journal of cardiovascular medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
Fabiana I Gambarin + 12 more +12

The major clinical problem of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is the aortic root aneurysm, with risk of dissection when the root diameter approximates 5 cm. In MFS, a key molecule, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), normally bound to the extracellular matrix, is free and activated. In an experimental setting, TGF-beta blockade prevents the aortic root structural damage and dilatation. The angiotensin receptor 1 blockers (sartanics) exert an anti-TGF-beta effect; trials are now ongoing for evaluating the effect of losartan compared with atenolol in MFS. beta-Adrenergic blockers are the drugs most commonly used in MFS. The third-generation beta-adrenergic blocker nebivolol retains the beta-adrenergic blocker effects on heart rate and further exerts antistiffness effects, typically increased in MFS. The open-label phase III study will include 291 patients with MFS and proven FBN1 gene mutations, with aortic root dilation (z-score > or =2.5). The patients will be randomized to nebivolol, losartan and the combination of the two drugs. The primary end point is the comparative evaluation of the effects of losartan, nebivolol and the association of both on the progression of aortic root growth rate. Secondary end points include the pharmacokinetics of the two drugs, comparative evaluation of serum levels of total and active TGF-beta, quantitative assessment of the expression of the mutated gene (FBN1, both 5' and 3'), pharmacogenetic bases of drug responsiveness. The quality of life evaluation in the three groups will be assessed. Statistical evaluation includes an interim analysis at month 24 and conclusive analyses at month 48. The present study will add information about pharmacological therapy in MFS, supporting the new application of angiotensin receptor 1 blockers and finding beta-adrenergic blockers that may give more specific effects. Moreover, the study will further deepen understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms that are active in Marfan syndrome through the pharmacogenomic and transcriptomic mechanisms that may explain MFS phenotype variability.